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God Reveals His Omnipotence to Job

God Reveals His Omnipotence to Job – Today’s Devotional – December 5, 2023

Most companies receive hundreds of CVs and resumes for a given position, but the use of software based on keywords eliminates the unqualified applicants. Still, human eyes must read the remaining submissions to determine the applicant’s competency, stability, and potential to develop or embrace the innovative strategies required to propel the company forward into a highly competitive business arena.

Imagine being asked to provide three character references and responding with “I can validate my own character.” What would the hiring manager think?

Job Defends His Integrity

Most are familiar with Job’s story—the profound loss of his wealth, and children, and the awful condition of painful boils. As if that was not enough to contend with, “Then his wife said to him, ‘Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die?’ ” (Job 2:9).

Although many believers have experienced suffering none usually compares to the profound loss and suffering of Job. Yes, Job lived a sinless life, even God considered him to be upright. Yet Job needed to learn a couple of lessons—God’s Omniscience [knowledge] and Omnipotence [power] are perfect and one’s integrity and righteousness do not prevent extreme suffering.

The misconception that suffering only results from a person’s disobedience to God or from hidden wicked behaviors was a prevailing thought in biblical times which explains why his friends blamed Job for his adversity.

Adversity presents itself in two time periods, short-term and long-term. We usually have enough faith in God to endure trials and tribulations that God quickly resolves, but the challenges that seem to last forever reveal whether or not our faith will fail or flourish.

In chapter two, Job rebukes his wife for telling him to curse God and die, “But he said to her, ‘You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?’ In all this Job did not sin with his lips” (Job 2:10). Job’s three friends came to mourn and comfort him for seven days and nights, yet “…no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great” (Job 2:13).

“After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth” (Job 3:1). At this point, Job’s friend Eliphaz tells him that he is being chastened [disciplined, punished] by God. “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty” (Job 5:17).

In chapter six, Job’s human weakness is exposed as his attention turns from God to himself. Job’s response, “What strength do I have, that I should hope? And what is my end, that I should prolong my life?” (Job 6:11). Job represents you and me and the weakness of the human heart when our emotions override God’s love. When our hardships continue, we feel that God has abandoned us in our greatest crucibles of suffering.

“My friends scorn me; My eyes pour our tears to God” (Job 16:20). “My spirit is broken, My days are extinguished, The grave is ready for me.” (Job 17:1)

As time progresses, and Job is still suffering, his three friends accuse him of hidden sins, folly, and wickedness. They urge him to repent so God will redeem and rescue him from a well-deserved punishment. “Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you my friends, For the hand of God has struck me! Why do you persecute me as God does, And are not satisfied with my flesh?” (Job 19:21-22).

Despite the misjudgment from his friends, Job proclaims hope in God, ” For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; 26 And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, 27 Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27).

As we forward to the 23rd chapter, the passing of time reveals that Job is experiencing the full run of human emotions. Now he desires to contend or assert his position in a discussion with God.

“Even today my complaint is bitter; My hand is listless because of my groaning. Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat! I would present my case before Him, And fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which He would answer me, And understand what He would say to me.” —Job 23:2-5

Normal human behavior is predictable! When our intense sufferings do not cease according to our expectations or the death of a family member occurs, not only do we begin to doubt God’s love but we also desire to contend with God through negotiation to end the suffering.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 41:10

Although God reveals His love by continually sustaining our lives through suffering, our focus remains on ourselves. We begin to lose hope, boldly questioning God, How long? Why did God allow this to happen? or, God, tell me what I need to do?

“Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my mark. Oh, that the Almighty would answer me, That my Prosecutor had written a book!” —Job 31:35

Jobs suffering continues and in chapter 31, he becomes impatient and is ready for God to answer his prayers for relief. Still, we cannot rush God! Will we become angry with God or despondent because He is silent? Only the steadfast who hold onto their faith by relying on the power of God and trusting His perfect will and plans never lose hope.

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness…’ ” —2 Corinthians 12:9

Through continuous prayers, we receive strength and the ability to go forward from the Holy Spirit who reminds us of God’s faithfulness. In our personal times of tears and worship, God reveals His love by giving us spiritual comfort. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” We must remain faithful to God.

Although we do not have an exact timeframe for Job’s suffering, we can safely conclude that from Chapter 1 to Chapter 38 when God answered Job that he suffered for a long time. Yet nowhere do we read that Job and his wife were destitute, hungry, or homeless.

In chapters 38-41, the Lord God reveals His Omnipotence and begins questioning Job like the Prosecutor he addressed God to be in chapter 31.

“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: “Who is this who darkens counsel By words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me.” —Joshua 38:1-3

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know!” —Joshua 38:4-5

“You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak. I will question you, and you shall inform Me.’ My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes…” —Job 42:4-6

Reflection: Believers, who do we think we are? Many of us have a sense of entitlement leading us to believe that we deserve God’s blessings just because we say, Lord, Lord. Angels bow and cover their faces with their wings when worshiping our Heavenly Father. We must learn to serve God in humility, surrender, and reverence.

God deserves first place in our lives. He deserves our full attention, love, faith, obedience, and loyalty. The book of Job is an invitation to surrender and come to Jesus by recognizing that He is Omnipotent, He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

Like Job, our faith will be severely tested! The time will arise in every believer’s life as if we feel that God is crushing us. We will feel as if we cannot endure another day of suffering. Yet God is always faithful! Through our suffering, God is drawing us nearer to Him. We must come to understand the magnitude of His Righteousness and Holiness.

“…Who then is able to stand against Me? Who has preceded Me, that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is Mine.” —Job 41:10-11

Prayer: God, we repent for the sins of presumption and irreverence. We ask You to give us the spiritual insight to understand Your love and Righteousness. Teach us to be holy. We thank You for hearing and answering this prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Worthy Name, Amen.

Surrendering to God Saves Our Lives

Surrendering to God Saves Our Lives – Today’s Devotional – December 4, 2023

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.’ ” —Matthew 16:24, NLT

Taking up our cross is defined by surrendering our will to God and trusting His thoughts, ways, and plans for our lives. It is not a middle-of-the-road life filled with compromises based on our heart’s desires. As Christ prayed daily to receive the revelation of God’s will for His life, we also pray a daily prayer of surrender asking God to reveal His will through the Holy Spirit.

Surrender is a righteous character trait that requires a sacrificial love for God and the humility of a little child. Surrender determines whether or not you are in the right standing with God. Our willingness to surrender and obey God is demonstrated through the type of prayers we pray and the lifestyle we live.

Never Underrate the Importance of Surrender! Anything outside of relinquishing our desires to God breaches one’s relationship with Christ. Disobedience always separates us from God.

Reflection: How do your character, habits, and lifestyles compare with God’s great moral standard of righteousness?

“Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as He is righteous.” —1 John 3:7, ESV

The inheritance of a carnal heart places us at a disadvantage—we cannot judge ourselves. There must be diligent searching of the Scriptures which identify our sins that have been offensive to God, which have dishonored His name, quenched the power of the Holy Spirit, and separated us from our first love for Christ.

We rate our sins on a scale of little to big to great. Yet, to God, all sin is the transgression of His laws of righteousness and disobedience against Him. Yes, God takes it personally when we sin against Him. And rightfully so, God gave us His only Son, Jesus Christ to fulfill the Plan of Salvation. Jesus surrendered fully to the will of His Father by sacrificing His life and suffering an agonizing death on Calvary’s cross to redeem us from the second death which is the penalty of sin.

Our refusal to surrender has its roots in the sin of unbelief—we do not trust God. The heart void of love and trust can never surrender. The internal conflict we face results in contempt for God’s Truth, succumbing to the temptations of worldliness, self-reliance, over-indulgence, pride, selfishness, false doctrines, and immorality. Our lifestyles reveal the true status of our faith in God.

We cannot save ourselves. The work of overcoming is the work of a lifetime which requires human effort and Divine Intervention. Victory is assured through our love, humility, surrender, faith, and obedience. We must put forth the effort to cooperate with the Power of the Holy Spirit to receive the conviction and Divine instructions needed for a daily spiritual transformation.

Our appreciation of Christ’s gift is demonstrated by giving Him our love and loyalty as we strive to live holy and acceptable lives. We separate ourselves from the worldviews by studying the Scriptures and embracing God’s Biblical views. Through daily surrender, we are preparing our earthly lives for the promise of eternal life.

How will we stand before God, the Righteous Judge? The choice is ours to make. God has given us the free will to decide our final destiny. Yes, God indeed is a Loving, Fair, and Righteous Judge.

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for our failure to surrender. We admit that we have an issue with our hearts, we do not love You as we should. We make a covenant from this day forward to surrender all to You. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

The Woman Who Reverences God

The Woman Who Reverences God – Devotional Reading – December 3, 2023

“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ ” (Matthew 22:37)

Hannah, Ruth, Esther, Rahab, Mary, Dorcas, and Lydia were women who loved, reverenced, and obeyed God by surrendering their hearts to Him. These women did not have conflict in their hearts when they decided to follow God. In studying their stories, we find that they possessed love, loyalty, and dedication demonstrated by their faithful obedience.

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” —1 John 5:4

The reverent woman always puts God first by seeking His will. Loving God is reflected in her healthy lifestyle, modest clothing, and loving, compassionate, and patient temperament. Emulating the Character of Christ, her smile lights up the room and her words are as sweet as honey. She possesses a gentle and soothing voice that makes you feel at ease in her presence because her heart is filled with the joy of the Lord.

“Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” —Colossians 3:2

The woman who reverences God appreciates His blessings by practicing the frugal habits of stewardship. She does not follow the fashion trends or seek to purchase material goods, no, this dedicated woman is content with God-given blessings. She is a daughter of the Most-High God who worships Him by obeying His commandments to love others and uses her financial abundance to help those in need.

“Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!” —Psalm 47:6

Most importantly, she sends up prayers and songs of praise to God thanking Him for His never-ending love, grace, and mercies. The reverent woman prays for God to extend His mercies to the brokenhearted and the displaced members of society. She accepts her calling as a disciple always ready to witness to others. “Have a blessed day” and “Jesus loves you” are easily spoken by her to everyone she comes into contact with because her heart fully belongs to Jesus.

“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” —Matthew 6:6

As a devout woman of God, she seeks His will through personal worship, inviting the Holy Spirit to breathe the anointing of wisdom and strength into her mind, body, and soul. Her desire to seek righteousness is reflected in the time she spends studying the Scriptures. She embraces the word of God as the Light that guides her to stay safely on the Path of Righteousness.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

Although this woman lives courageously she also faces the challenges of temptation and the feelings of discouragement. Yes, the righteous woman has suffered many losses, disappointments, and sorrows, but still, she faithfully clings to Christ’s promise, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

Because her trust is in Christ she readily accepts His invitation to come boldly before the Throne of Grace knowing that she will receive Divine Help in the time of need. The reverent woman seeks guidance and supernatural strength from the Holy Spirit to live righteously.

This inspiring woman is determined to lead a life of holiness. She puts her unwavering faith, trust, and hope in Christ, and strives to be intentional in all her actions. Every day, she aligns herself with the will of God revealing her desire to receive the heavenly reward of Eternal life.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 41:10

Yet, the reverent woman holds fast to Christ for her strength is not found in her husband, children, family, or friends. Because this woman remains steadfast in the storms of life she has found favor with God. Christ knows this daughter has a fragile, caring heart often leaving her weary while doing good for others.

“…Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” —Jeremiah 31:3

From her fervent prayers, she receives comfort and strength from the Holy Spirit. As she performs her earthly duties she is waiting in joyful expectation for Jesus’ promise to come to fruition. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

“In that day the Lord of hosts will be a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people… —Isaiah 28:5

The reverent woman is part of God’s faithful remnant who keeps their lamps filled with oil [the Holy Spirit] and she will be ready to enter the marriage feast when the Bridegroom comes. Yes, she has prepared herself for a heavenly life to worship at the feet of Jesus forevermore. Hallelujah! Amen.

The qualities of a reverent woman are found throughout the Scriptures in the stories of godly women who persevered in harsh times—in times when they were not independent but were owned by husbands or masters. Yet, these faithful daughters of God were strengthened and guided by the Holy Spirit to obey the will of God.

Today’s women can receive the same empowerment from the Holy Spirit to excel in their walk with Christ. As we draw closer to the Second Coming of Christ, it is time for us to become reverent women of God!

Prayer: God, we pray for the strength to become a dedicated reverent woman of God. We realize that our lives our not our own. And we ask You to order our steps according to Your Divine will and plan for our lives. In Jesus Holy Name, we pray, Amen.